Biblical Topics A to Z
Suffering
What the Bible says about suffering, how the Psalms and Job engage it honestly, and what the New Testament teaches about sharing in the sufferings of Christ.
At a Glance
Scripture engages suffering honestly, from the laments of the Psalms to Job's questions, while teaching that believers can share in Christ's sufferings with purpose.
Overview
The Bible engages suffering with remarkable honesty, from the raw laments of the Psalms and the unanswered questions of Job to the New Testament's teaching that believers who suffer for righteousness' sake are sharing in the sufferings of Christ himself, with real purpose and a certain future glory.
Learning Objectives
- •Identify how the Psalms model honest lament rather than denial in the face of suffering.
- •Summarize what the book of Job teaches, and does not resolve, about the reasons for suffering.
- •Explain what 1 Peter means by sharing in 'the sufferings of Christ.'
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
Read It in Context
This study quotes Romans 8:18, but no verse stands alone. Open a Bible and read the whole surrounding chapter to see the full argument the passage sits within, then look up the other references cited throughout this study — 1 Peter 4:13 and beyond — in their own context. Scripture is the final authority here, not this summary.
Historical & Literary Context
Job wrestles at length with unexplained suffering, and while God's response in Job 38-41 does not directly answer 'why,' it reorients Job toward trust in God's wisdom and power. The Psalms, particularly the laments, give voice to suffering honestly before God rather than suppressing it, and 1 Peter was written to believers experiencing real persecution, framing their suffering within the pattern of Christ's own.
Honest Lament, Not Denial
Psalms like Psalm 13 and Psalm 88 bring raw questions and grief directly to God ('How long, LORD? Wilt thou forget me for ever?' Psalm 13:1), modeling a faith that engages suffering honestly rather than pretending it away.
Job's Unresolved Question
Job never receives a direct answer to why he suffered, but God's response from the whirlwind (Job 38:1-4) redirects Job to trust God's wisdom and sovereignty even without full explanation, and Job's own conclusion is renewed trust (Job 42:5-6).
Sharing in Christ's Sufferings
1 Peter 4:13 calls believers who suffer for righteousness to rejoice because they are 'partakers of Christ's sufferings,' connecting present suffering to a future 'exceeding gladness' when Christ's glory is revealed.
Christ-Centered Focus
Hebrews 5:8 says that though Christ was a Son, 'yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered,' showing that Jesus himself entered fully into human suffering, so believers who suffer have a high priest who is not distant from their pain but has genuinely shared in it.
Practical Application
This week, if you are walking through suffering, follow the Psalms' pattern of honest lament, bringing your real questions to God directly in prayer rather than suppressing them, while holding onto Romans 8:18's promise of a glory that outweighs present pain.
Prayer
Father, thank You that I can bring my honest grief and questions to You, as the Psalms model, without pretending suffering does not hurt. Thank You that Jesus himself suffered and understands. Help me trust Your wisdom as Job did, and hold onto the certain hope of glory that outweighs this present pain. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture Memory
"But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad with exceeding gladness."
1 Peter 4:13
Reflection Questions
- 1How do the Psalms' honest laments give you permission to bring real grief and questions to God rather than suppressing them?
- 2What does Job's story teach you about trusting God even without a full explanation for suffering?
- 3How does 1 Peter 4:13's framing of suffering as sharing in Christ's sufferings change how you view a hardship you are facing?
- 4How does knowing Jesus himself 'learned obedience by the things which he suffered' (Hebrews 5:8) deepen your sense that he understands your pain?